“The measures undertaken by Iran, particularly by Imam Reza shrine, to promote Shia Islam are outstanding, whose outcome we are witnessing throughout the Islamic world”, said Sheikh Abdullah al-Daghagh on the sidelines of an international summit for outstanding Shia lecturers held in Ghadir Courtyard at Imam Reza shrine in northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad.

The Bahraini religious scholar lauded Imam Reza shrine for holding religious ceremonies in Arabic, which paved the way for Iraqi and Bahraini pilgrims to make the most of cultural atmosphere during the pilgrimage season.

Sheikh Abdullah al-Daghagh emphasized that the world was thirsty for learning the teachings of Prophet Muhammad’s Infallible Household.

He further referred to a hadith from Imam Reza (pbuh): “May God bless those who keep our religion and guardianship alive through learning our teachings and conveying them to people”.

He continued that Imam Reza urged his followers to clarify his rhetoric to people. According to Imam Reza, “If religious lecturers and scholars clarify Quranic teachings and Imams’ rhetoric, people will definitely welcome”.

On Shia Muslims’ activism in the face of Bahraini government’s crackdown, Sheikh Abdullah al-Daghagh said: “Some ۸۰% of people in Bahrain are Shia Muslims, and despite the Al-Khalifa’s heavy-handed crackdown, cultural activities are underway. However, political activities are seriously stifled”.

“The Bahraini system is exerting immense pressure on the people with the US and Israel’s backing. Therefore, most of activists have fled Bahrain for fear of the government’s crackdown on them or their families”, said the Bahraini preacher.

He further praised the role of Islamic Republic in the Islamic resistance, stating: “Iran is playing a big role in spreading Islamic resistance throughout the globe using all its capacities to uphold resistance movements of different political affiliations”.

He concluded his remarks by pointing to the ongoing Islamic resistance in Bahrain: “One of the outcomes of Islamic resistance in my country is standing against normalization of ties with Israel. Israel is a cancerous tumor, and fighting against the regime will continue until its annihilation”.